Samson Raphael Hirsch

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (June 20, 1808 - December 31, 1888) was the intellectual founder of the Torah im Derech Eretz school of contemporary Orthodox Judaism. Occasionally termed neo-Orthodoxy, his philosophy, together with that of Ezriel Hildesheimer, has had a considerable influence on the development of Modern Orthodox Judaism.

Final years

During the final years of his life, Hirsch put his efforts in the founding of the "Freie Vereinigung für die Interessen des Orthodoxen Judentums", an association of independent Jewish communities. During the 30 years after his death this organisation would be used as a model for the formation of the international orthodox Agudat Yisrael movement. There is no doubt that Hirsch was opposed to political Zionism, although his love for the Land of Israel is apparent from his writings.

Related Topics:
Agudat Yisrael - Zionism - Land of Israel

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From reports of his family members, it seems likely that Hirsch contracted falciparum malaria while in Emden, which continued to plague him during the rest of life with febrile episodes.

Related Topics:
Falciparum - Malaria

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Hirsch died in 1888 in Frankfurt am Main and is buried there.

Related Topics:
1888 - Frankfurt am Main

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